Adult Program

Contribute to the “Joyful Images” display at HCPL

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In tandem with the 2026 SoIN Big Read, Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness (pick up your free copy at any HCPL branch starting Monday, September 21), Harrison County Public Library invites the community to contribute images to the Joyful Images photography display. Scroll to the end of this post to print a submission form.

Learn more about this year’s SoIN Big Read here !

Feel free to photograph something that brings joy to your life and submit one print (5” x 7” or smaller, unframed) for the library to display during October in conjunction with the SoIN Big Read.
The SoIN Big Read book is Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness. Make sure all images are appropriate and family-friendly! Photographs will be displayed from October 1-31 at the Main branch in Corydon. If you wish to keep your photograph after the display, please pick it up between November 2-14. The library will dispose of any photographs not picked up by November 14.

Full details

  • Ages 18 and up are invited to submit a printed photograph. Only ONE photograph per person.
  • The subject of your photograph should be something that brings you joy. All images must be appropriate and family-friendly.
  • Please submit prints that are 5” x 7” or smaller. Do not frame your print. If it is unclear, draw an arrow on the back of the print to indicate the correct orientation (i.e. This side up).
  • Adhesive tape will be used on the back of the print to display. Photographs may be touched by the public. Please only submit a print if you are comfortable with this.
  • All submissions will be displayed in the Main branch in Corydon.
  • Photographs will be displayed from October 1-31. If you wish to keep your photograph after the display, please pick it up between November 2-14. Any photographs that are not picked up by November 14 will be disposed.
  • By submitting your print, you are giving Harrison County Public Library permission to publicly display, photograph and promote it.
  • Harrison County Public Library reserves the right to reject any pieces that do not follow these guidelines.

Joyful Images submission form

 

 

2026 SoIN Big Read Roadmap

Contribute to the “Joyful Images” display at HCPL Read More »

Shakespeare on the Corydon Capitol Square a Hit

Adult Program, Latest, Notices, Youth Activities / /

Friday evening, May 10, was a beautiful weather day for the library to host the kick-off of the SoIn To Shakespeare Tour 2024 of The Tempest at the Corydon Capitol State Historic Site lawn and gazebo. Attendance was 155 with many late comers.

Co-director Martin French welcomes the crowd.
The youth actors on a ship in a storm

The family-friendly play was shortened by James Thompson to be accessible and clear. The youth in the audience were added as cast members and were able to take the stage 3 different times. The children helped begin the play as seafarers (with pirate hats) and were tossed side to side on the ship during the storm. Then the cast took over as the tempest continued.

The tempest tosses the ship.
Miranda, Prospero and Caliban
Apparitions (youth) created by Ariel torment and scare Alonsa and Anonette

The crowed covered all generations. Comments were all positive about the play. location and weather. One set of parents stated that their children had “caught the acting bug” and other families all had positive comments about their children’s experience. Overall, a great time was had by all.

Cast List:
Prospero – Clara Burton
Alonsa – Susan Brooks
Miranda/Trinculo – Kaila Gelback
Caliban/Boatswain – Hayley Ginger
Gonzalo/Stephano – Bryce Woodard
Ferdinand/Antonette – Brayli Temple
Ariel – All actors

Co-director/Producer: Martin French
Co-director/Script Adaptation: James Thompson

The actors and youth take a bow
Cast ends with s sea chanty

If you missed the program, click on the link for more dates of the SoIN To Shakespeare Tour 2024.  2024 Shakespeare Spring Tour Poster

Shakespeare on the Corydon Capitol Square a Hit Read More »

SHAKESPEARE ON THE SQUARE – 6:30 pm Friday, May 10, 2024 – THE TEMPEST – FREE EVENT – Corydon

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The Harrison County Public Library will bring the Arts Alliance of Southern Indiana 2024 SoIN TO SHAKESPEARE TOUR to Corydon at 6:30 pm, Friday, May 10, 2024, at the Corydon Capitol State Historic Site gazebo. Martin French and James Thompson will direct the free outdoor performance of The Tempest on Corydon’s beautiful town square. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for this family-friendly evening. In case of inclement weather, the play will move to Hayswood Theatre.

The Tempest involves a powerful sorcerer, Prospero (the former Duke of Milan) and his daughter, who live on a deserted island after being banished by the King of Naples, Alonso, and Prospero’s brother Antonio, the Duke of Milan. Prospero wields a storm to shipwreck his enemies, including the king’s son. The survivors are scattered across the island and the plotting begins. This Shakespeare comedy includes revenge, scheming, romance, forgiveness and redemption.

The Arts Alliance 2024 SoIN TO SHAKESPEARE TOUR will also feature presentations at Jeffersonville, New Albany and Charlestown.

Two Corydon-based actors, Jason Jones and Hayley Ginger, are a part of The Tempest troupe. Heather Rapp, who has family ties to Elizabeth, Indiana, designed the promotional artwork. Co-director Martin French, who is originally from Ireland and now lives in Southern Indiana, has worked internationally and locally for years. French co-directed last year’s SoIN To Shakespeare production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and recently directed Hayswood Theatre’s The Crucible. During Banned Books Week last October, French gave a book talk at HCPL on The Crucible and censorship.  On April 23, he will host a celebration of Shakespeare’s birthday at HCPL with an overview of Shakespeare and The Tempest. French will also offer a behind-the-scenes look at The Tempest at Harrison County Arts on April 25.

Celebrate Shakespeare’s Birthday at Harrison County Public Library – 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 23 – Corydon branch, 105 N. Capitol Avenue. Co-director Martin French will give a broad overview of who William Shakespeare was and how he became the unofficial first playwright of the United States. French will then talk about The Tempest. Birthday cake will be offered during this 90-minute program.

Insight to the Process: Shakespeare – 7 p.m. Thursday, April 25 – Harrison County Arts, 113 E. Beaver Street, Corydon. Shakespeare enthusiasts and those interested in a behind-the-scenes look get an up-close experience with the cast presenting the SoIN To Shakespeare Tour. A public rehearsal (preview) of parts of The Tempest will feature actors from the play along with an opportunity to see the development of a scene between the actors and co-director Martin French. In addition, the actors expect to rehearse a complete scene followed by a Q&A session. This 90-minute program presents an opportunity to see the backside of play development. Contact Harrison County Arts for specific details about this program at 812-738-2123.

For information, contact the library at 812-738-4110 or visit the website for a calendar of events @ www.hcpl.lib.in.us

Thank you to our community partners for this event:
Arts Alliance of Southern Indiana – sponsor of the SoIn To Shakespeare Tour
Corydon Capitol State Historic Site – venue
Hayswood Theatre – rain location
Harrison County Visitor Center – restrooms
Harrison County Arts – host of rehearsal program
Main Street Corydon – fliers in wine walk bags
Downtown merchants – displaying posters and fliers

SHAKESPEARE ON THE SQUARE – 6:30 pm Friday, May 10, 2024 – THE TEMPEST – FREE EVENT – Corydon Read More »

“Saturday Spotlight” at the Frederick Porter Griffin Center: MARCH MANIA!

Adult Activities, Adult Program, Genealogy - Local History, Notices / /

We’ve made it! Even as February tossed an extra day at us, March has finally, well… marched right on in. It sure is packed with exciting moments to commemorate. It’s a special month for many people. It’s celebrated by band kids (who march forth on the 4th ). Soon will be time to “Spring Forward” with Daylight Saving Time (10th ). Basketball fans love their brackets; Irish Americans look for luck. Be sure to grab a slice on 3.14 for Pi Day, and so on…

After a brief winter hiatus, the Frederick Porter Griffin Center is ready to reenter the madness with Saturday Spotlight programming all month long. The public is invited to drop in and join the Head of Genealogy, Kathy Fisher, to celebrate multiple aspects of notable March-related holidays and presentations. Kathy stated, “March is fun! There’s something that just about anyone can get excited and learn more about. Researchers of all levels are welcome! You can get creative with it, too. Stop in and see us; maybe you’ll even spot a leprechaun.”

Each Saturday during the month will offer something different. Featured topics include:
March 9 – President William Henry Harrison’s Inauguration
March 16 – St. Patrick’s Day,
March 23 – Women’s History Month
March 30 – National Vietnam War Veterans Day

Saturdays don’t work for you? The FPGC staff is always on hand to answer questions during regular hours throughout the year. Any and all of the resources at the Genealogy Library, including free use of microfilm, books, family files, the Community News collection, and library editions of databases such as Ancestry, Fold3, and Newspapers.com are available.

The Frederick Porter Griffin Center for Local History and Genealogy is located in the county’s original Carnegie Library building directly behind the Corydon branch of HCPL at 117 West Beaver Street, Corydon. For more information, call 812-738-5412.

Article by Kathy Fisher

“Saturday Spotlight” at the Frederick Porter Griffin Center: MARCH MANIA! Read More »

OCTOBER IS FAMILY HISTORY MONTH

Adult Activities, Adult Program / /

Within the walls of the Frederick Porter Griffin Center for Local History and Genealogy family history is celebrated all year long, but during October, it gets highlighted. Visit the FPGC each Saturday of the month for special programming focused on Family History topics. Researchers of all levels are welcome!  Any and all of the resources at the Genealogy Library, including microfilm, books, family files, Community News collection, as well as the library editions of Ancestry, Fold3, and Newspapers.com. (and much more!) will be available.

The public is invited to drop in and join the head of genealogy Kathy Fisher to uncover some of the family legends hidden within our collection. Kathy stated, “Helping people discover their stories is our bread and butter. October is the perfect time to get more people interested in their own personal history. I hope we can aid in taking someone’s research beyond just names and dates. You can get creative with it, too.”

As an “extra special surprise” during Glasstoberfest, the FPGC will be featuring a video on the Zimmerman Family and Glassblowing History. Originally presented in 2013 as a Historical Society program, the Genealogy Library will be offering two showings on October 21 at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

If Saturdays don’t work for you, the FPGC staff is always on hand during regular hours throughout the year to answer questions and to give suggestions for getting past those brick walls.

The Frederick Porter Griffin Center for Local History and Genealogy is located in the county’s original Carnegie Library building directly behind the Corydon branch of HCPL at 117 West Beaver Street, Corydon. For more information, call 812-738-5412.

Article by Kathy Fisher, Head of Genealogy

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“DIG INTO LOCAL HISTORY” DURING SEPTEMBER SATURDAY SPOTLIGHTS

Adult Program, Book club, Notices, Photography, Tell Your Story / /

September is Indiana Archaeology Month and the Frederick Porter Griffin Center (FPGC) for Local History and Genealogy is celebrating with “Saturday Spotlights.” Special programming will be offered between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturdays during September.

Each year Indiana’s Department of Natural Resources Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology features an aspect of the Hoosier state’s archaeological history. This year’s theme focuses on early industries in Indiana. From agriculture to manufacturing, industry has been important to Harrison County from its beginnings.

You are invited to drop in and join the head of genealogy Kathy Fisher to discover some of these stories through engaging fun while exploring historic Harrison County businesses and jobs. Stop by and “dig” into Harrison County history by exploring files with Kathy or through a scavenger hunt to “Find Indiana” …pictures of Indiana Jones will be hidden throughout the collection. Test your knowledge of antiquated occupations with a “Not My Job!” quiz. Kathy hinted, “There might be a few other surprises. I hope to get more people interested in local history and I am most excited about the job quiz.”

Kathy stated, “Saturday Spotlights are used to ‘shine a light’ on offerings from the genealogy branch that people might not even know we have.” The FPGC houses physical and digital records, donated materials, and some artifacts including Sidney D. Crosier paintings. Materials include photos, files, newspapers and yearbooks. FPGC offers access to Ancestry.com and Fold3.

The Frederick Porter Griffin Center for Local History and Genealogy is located in the county’s original Carnegie Library building directly behind the Corydon branch of HCPL at 117 West Beaver Street, Corydon. For more information, call 812-738-5412.

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WaterStep Shoe Drive a Success!

Adult Program, Book club, Notices, Photography, Tell Your Story / /

Harrison County Public Library partnered with WaterStep during the “All Together Now” summer reading challenge to run a shoe drive. WaterStep, a Louisville based company, designs and implements sustainable water projects and programs around the globe with funding from shoe drives. In addition to their mission of providing sustainable safe water solutions, WaterStep helps during times of disaster with WOW (Water on Wheels) carts, mini-water treatment plants. To date, WaterStep has responded to 33 disasters, the most recent being the floods in Eastern Kentucky at home and the earthquake in Turkey abroad.

One out of ten people in the world live without a safe water source. WaterStep shoe development coordinator Ron McKulick challenged the library to collect 600 pounds of shoes during the two-month drive.  McKulick estimated that the library collected a total of 360 pounds; 200 lbs. in June and 160 lbs. during July. The goal may not have been met, but the library shoe drive provides safe water for life to 120 people.

Library administrative assistant Diana Lasky enthused, “I am so grateful to Harrison County and the library staff for making this community service project successful!  It just amazes me that 3 pairs of shoes can fund safe water to a person for life!”

Harrison County has year-round WaterStep shoe collection boxes at the YMCA of Harrison County, Harrison County Community Services, Old Capital Cleaners, Harmony and Health, and the Mortenson Dental Corydon office.  Individuals and businesses who are interested in learning more about WaterStep may visit their website at https://waterstep.org/.

WaterStep Shoe Drive a Success! Read More »

Miniature Art at the Library

Adult Program, Book club, Notices, Photography, Tell Your Story / /

Have you seen a diorama at your local library branch?  The Harrison County Public Library is currently displaying dioramas by local artist Donna Shaw of MiniMaples Studio. Shaw, who lives in Jeffersonville, has been crafting in miniature since 2015.  In 2022, she partnered with the Arts Alliance of Southern Indiana for the MiniMaples Literacy Project to get school students excited about reading and books through art.  This summer the project has been expanded to public libraries.

HCPL is displaying four dioramas this summer to “encourage students (children) to read and grow their creativity and imagination,” which is Shaw’s goal.  The library suggests families look at the intricate details in the dioramas and check out books that are related to each miniature display.

Click to enlarge

Ocean Depths can be found at the Corydon Branch. Is your child interested in sharks, coral, starfish or the ocean? This diorama is for you.  Checkout    non-fiction books on all these topics at any library location.  (Don’t forget to look closely…I spy a bunny with a ducky swimming ring.)

Click to enlarge

Ocean Depths can be found at the Corydon Branch.
Is your child interested in sharks, coral, starfish or the ocean? This diorama is for you.  Checkout non-fiction books on all these topics at any library location.  (Don’t forget to look closely…I spy a bunny with a ducky swimming ring.)

Click to enlarge

Tis the season for gardening. Big Old Garden features a huge tree, a bird feeder with realistic birds and a small pond complete with lily pads. Try books like Everything Bird: What Kids Really Want to Know About Birds, Tell Me Tree: All About Trees for Kids, Over and Under the Pond, or My First Book of Garden Wildlife.

Click to enlarge

Scaredy Squirrel can be found at the Lanesville Branch.  If you aren’t familiar with this book character, ask an elementary school-aged child. Scaredy Squirrel stories by Melanie Watt include adventures at the beach, birthday party, camping, and making friends, to name a few.

The dioramas are expected to rotate branches throughout the summer so everyone can experience all of the miniature art. Drop by the library soon to view a diorama, join the summer reading challenge and check out books.

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Old Shoes = Clean Water: HCPL to Host Shoe Drive

Adult Program, Book club, Notices, Photography, Tell Your Story / /

Donate your old shoes to help people around the world have access to clean safe water. Harrison County Public Library will be sponsoring a WaterStep shoe drive from May 15 – July 31, 2023 during the “All Together Now” summer reading challenge.

  • Boxes for shoe collection will be at all 5 branch locations
  • ALL types of footwear accepted (used and new)
  • Shoes may be worn; just no holes in the soles
  • No moldy, mildewed or muddy shoes accepted
  • Help WaterStep by tying laces together or rubber banding flip-flops

So how in the world do old shoes provide clean water?  At a recent Step Ahead meeting presentation, Ron McKulick of WaterStep stated that it only takes 3 pairs of donated shoes to provide 1 person with clean water for LIFE.

WaterStep is a non-profit organization that has been in operation for 25 years bringing safe water to communities in developing counties, after natural disasters, and in emergency situations. Since its beginning, WaterStep has helped to provide safe water to eight million people in 67 countries.

WaterStep designs and builds safe water and disinfectant equipment locally in Louisville, KY.  Materials to build the equipment are purchased by funds from shoe donations, individual donations, grants and product sales. WaterStep does not receive any state, federal, or international funding.

Ron challenged Harrison County Public Library to sponsor a shoe drive and have a goal of acquiring 600 pounds of shoes.  That could potentially help 200 people have access to clean water. The video links WaterStep Shoe Program and WaterStep Helps Hurricane Laura Survivors provides a brief overview of some of the benefits of the shoe drive.  For more information, visit WaterStep.org

You can help provide clean water by donating the shoes you no longer wear during the summer reading challenge “All Together Now.”

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Saying Goodbye is Hard to Do – Best Wishes in Your Retirement!

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Two of HCPL’s long-term employees, Ann Crecilius and Nancy Rosenbaum retired in April.  Due to unforeseen circumstances, both had to leave without co-workers being able to wish them goodbye and good luck in person.

Ann Crecelius joined HCPL as a part-time youth services staff member in September of 2003. After years of working in the children’s department she switched to technical services/cataloging where she did an outstanding job. Her supervisor, Bethany Banet, said Ann was teaching her replacement Jennifer Schroering things that Bethany herself didn’t know or realize. Ann was well known for being exact and precise. Staff often described Ann as caring, pleasant and positive.

Nancy Rosenbaum also joined the HCPL youth services staff as part-time summer reading help in June of 1999. Summer came and went and Nancy stayed! With the addition of Nancy to the staff, the library was able to offer toddler programming and outreach to daycares. Nancy worked in youth services until the Lanesville Branch opened in 2009 and she was made the Lanesville lead circ associate. Nancy’s programs, whether storytimes for youth or cooking programs for adults, were always popular. Patrons and staff alike love her sense of humor and gift for gab. Her co-workers at Lanesville had planned to surprise her with a week-long celebration. 

HCPL director Alisa Burch expressed her regards by saying, “Thank you Ann and Nancy! Though we didn’t get to say it in person, your years of hard work and dedication were greatly appreciated. You will be missed. In fact, you already are. Take care. Have fun. Visit often.”

Article by Alisa Burch

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